I've slept on Nate Berkus' quilt for a whole year – as someone who needs 8 hours of sleep, I don't want to use a different set ever again
The designer's painted stripe set won me over on its aesthetics, but how does its quality compare? After one year, I have a conclusion
In February last year, Nate Berkus launched a bedding collection, and by the end of the month, his painted stripe quilt set had arrived at my door.
Working in the realm of celebrity style, I had spent many months prior scrolling his feed, admiring some of his most beautiful interior design projects – but for the first time, his collection with mDesign made his work accessible in every kind of home, including mine. The painted stripe quilt, now reduced on Amazon, was an easy choice. It's the one that first caught my eye when interviewing Berkus (coincidently about the collection), and it appeared in the backdrop of many of the promotion shots – many of which were set in rooms painted in soft neutrals like my own. I ordered the set knowing its beige and taupe colorway looked good, but understanding its softness and longevity came with time.
More than one year later, I can say with confidence that this is one of the best designer bedding collections in the industry. It's survived (many) coffee spills and comes out softer after almost every wash. It's currently reduced for Amazon Prime Day, so it's worth buying now.
This set of three includes one quilt and two matching standard pillow shams. It's made from cotton percale, meaning it's breathable and offers the versatility to be used year-round. Designed by Berkus with comfort in mind, it set gets softer over time for a lived-in feel. It's currently 46 percent off for Prime Day, so it's worth ordering before it sells out.
Using the set for a whole year meant I could put its 'all-season' label to the test. The quilt is made from cotton percale – cotton denoting the type of fiber and percale describing the kind of weave. To create percale, cotton fibers are woven into a crisscross pattern to withstand wear and boost breathability. Cotton percale sheets sleep cool and look crisp, so they're ideal for hot sleepers and those who want to uphold a minimal, almost hotel-like aesthetic in their bedrooms.
In my case, I'm working with a small bedroom (a sign of city living, after all), so I aim to keep my space as light and bright as possible. This percale piece is exactly what I wanted.
As mentioned, percale is known for its breathability, so I was able to see how the temperature compared around the calendar. Since my apartment is compact, it retains heat easily, meaning my bedroom can feel hot even in the winter months. Consequently, in summer, I often found I was too warm with my former bedding, but with this quilt set, I was notably more comfortable.
It's also worth noting that the set is OEKO-TEX certified. After having the set for a few months, Emilia Hitching, the sleep editor at H&G, explained why this is important. OEKO-TEX is an organization comprising independent textile and leather testing institutes across Europe and Japan. They provide standardized tests and verification for multiple different textile types, including this one. After a year of machine washing the set, it still looks as new as it did when I got it out of the box, and if anything, it feels even softer. I can sleep well, knowing the only unwanted substances on my quilt come from those aforementioned coffee spills.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
I plan on keeping this set on my bed for as long as I can (and at least while the colors continue to work for me in my apartment). However, while putting this together, I couldn't help but notice some more Berkus-designed bedroom pieces that are also reduced on Amazon. I've not tested these, but if I give in to my lack of self-control, I will do soon...
With over 80 reviews, most of which are over four stars (and a 4.4-star average), it's clear that I'm not alone in my observations. Most customers similarly comment on the versatile appearance and quality of the set – particularly when used in a neutral space. If you're looking to upgrade your bedroom, this is your cue.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
-
The 7 quick jobs I'm doing to spruce up my guest bathroom before the hosting season
With visitors due to descend over the festive season I decided to give my guest bathroom a makeover – here are the seven things I did to bring it up to scratch
By Natasha Brinsmead Published
-
I ignored this design rule when planning my bathroom layout –and here's why a year on I think it was a big mistake
Interior designers warned me to follow this tried-and-tested layout when designing my bathroom layout
By Charlotte Olby Published
-
This designer's DIY Halloween decor is a surprisingly sophisticated way to add spooky style to your home – and you can get everything you need on Amazon
Subtle and spooky, this is our favorite Halloween decor DIY we've seen this year
By Molly Malsom Published
-
Where do interior designers buy window treatments? The tried and tested stores to add to your list
This month's Decorator's Address Book focuses on window treatments – these are the stores designers use for their projects time and time again
By Hebe Hatton Published
-
'Coastal elegance' is the end-of-summer trend to know about – designer Kathy Kuo shares how she creates the effortless look
Relaxed living meets luxurious design – here's how she introduces this elevated style to interiors
By Molly Malsom Published
-
Looking to elevate your rental without losing your deposit? Benjamin Moore's new paint initiative has you covered (and it includes free paint)
This month, the paint brand is offering complimentary white paint to revert rental decor upon lease-end
By Emily Moorman Published
-
What color is espresso? Designers weigh in on this on-trend, moody neutral and share how to decorate with it
Here's why designers can't get enough of this sophisticated new neutral
By Emily Moorman Published
-
5 of the best colors to decorate with in August 2024, as suggested by designers and color experts
Summery hues with a hint of the autumnal months to come, designers love these colors for August
By Emily Moorman Published
-
Ruggable has launched a new color-centric rug collection with Pantone – 'designed to inspire creativity'
Designed to realize the mood-boosting effects of color, these rugs reflect the essence of dopamine decor
By Emily Moorman Published
-
This is how to 'properly decorate a beach house' if you're bored of typical coastal design, says TikTok's favorite interior designer
TikTok's Taylor Simon schools us on how to avoid coastal cliches with her guide or what to do and what to avoid when decorating a beach house
By Charlotte Olby Published